EN
Chronic superficial keratitis (keratitis superficialis chronica) is a common, and potentially blinding, ocular disease in dogs. The illness proceeds with symptoms of in-growing blood vessels, infiltration of the fibrovascular tissue and corneal pigmentation which appears in the lower quadrants of the cornea. It is thought to be an immunological based illness but the exact reason for chronic superficial keratitis is still unknown. The main environmental factor, which is of great importance in the aetiology of the illness, is known to be UV radiation. Corticosteroids applied in the form of eye drops or ointments are basic drugs used for the initial therapy. Cyclosporine is of great importance in chronic superficial keratitis therapy. The therapeutic ability of pimecrolimus and 50% dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) has recently been tested. In severe cases treatment consists of performing superficial keratectomy, cryosurgery or β irradiation. Patients suffering from this disease are ill for their entire lives and, despite the disappearance of clinical symptoms, there is often an indication that the illness progresses.